Friday, September 15th was a successful night for the Dakota Football program. Defeating the Warren-Mott Marauders 34-14, the victory keeps the Cougars on the hunt for the MAC Red Division. 

Improving their record to 3-1, Dakota was very pleased with the big win. Led by the 11th grade quarterback, Mark Tocco, Dakota’s offense came out strong scoring three touchdowns in their first three possessions of the game. Tocco connected with Jeron Kelly and Dustin Solomon for two passing touchdowns in the first half. Solomon, the 11th grade running-back and also linebacker, also scored a rushing touchdown in the first half.  

“Everything was just working,” Tocco said when asked about the explosive offense in the first half. “We scored on our first three possessions to go up 21-0.” 

Dakota’s offense did not stop after the first half as Dustin Solomon scored another rushing touchdown in the 3rd quarter. 

“The second half we chewed the clock out by running the ball more and it ended up working out for us,” Mark Tocco explained when questioned about what the key was to the big offensive game Dakota had.

Although the victory against the Warren-Mott Marauders was a huge offensive game, the Cougar’s defense did a great job, only holding their opponents to two touchdowns. Also, Dakota’s final touchdown of the game came from an interception return by Brendan Miesch in the fourth quarter. 

“We didn’t let their playmakers get into open space,” Dustin Solomon said when questioned about the strong defensive game for Dakota. “We always had more than one person at the ball to make the tackle.”  

It was a big victory for the Cougars on Friday night. Offensively and defensively, Dakota played an intense game all around.  

“It’s a big win for us because we’re back in the hunt for the red division,” Tocco added. “We try to take it game by game and not to look over anyone. If we do that, I think we’ll be able to have a successful season and win a lot of games.”  

Dakota takes on Stevenson in their next game on September 22nd.